Goumbook celebrates Eid Al Fitr by giving 10,000 Ghaf trees to the local community

Goumbook.com / June 19, 2017

Unique Eid Al Fitr initiative is part of the “Give a Ghaf” Tree Planting Program Active since 2011, “Give a Ghaf” raises awareness about the UAE National tree, the Living Desert & water conservation.

All UAE land owners are invited to apply online for free trees: Ghaf trees consume very little water, enrich the soil, help fight climate change and can sequester up to 34.65kg of CO2 emissions per year each.

This coming Eid Al Fitr, Goumbook will celebrate the 2017 “Year of Giving” by donating 10,000 Ghaf trees back to the UAE as part of its “Give a Ghaf” campaign.

“The aim of the “Give a Ghaf” tree planting program is to make the UAE greener and more sustainable, and it is also a great opportunity to raise awareness about the local ecosystem and water conservation. By offering a home to these trees, UAE Nationals will take an active role in safeguarding the natural heritage of the UAE,” said Tatiana Antonelli Abella, MD and founder of Goumbook.

An indigenous species, the Ghaf is the National tree of the UAE, as declared by Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Drought – tolerant and evergreen, the Ghaf tree is, possibly, the sturdiest plant of the harsh desert environment, with its unique ability to tap water stored deep in the sand and its roots penetrating as deep as 30 meters to access it. As such, the Ghaf tree requires very little irrigation to thrive and stay green (It is estimated that during the summer months a Ghaf tree requires only a couple of litres of water per day, compared to 200 litres a day for a date palm tree).

Since 2011, Goumbook has already planted over 35,000 seeds and almost 10,000 trees through its “Give a Ghaf” tree planting program. Ghaf seeds are initially planted and nurtured in a nursery for about two years, until they grow into healthy seedlings. The young trees are then ready to be planted where natural shade and greenery are needed: these trees are planted by the collective efforts of individuals and corporations from all parts of society, and contribute to the biodiversity of the UAE.

“We are ready to work with all landowners who are committed to making their land greener in a sustainable way, and we hope many Emiratis will get in contact with us to plant their national tree,” said again Tatiana Antonelli Abella.

To order their complimentary Ghaf tree saplings, farmers and land owners need to email giveaghaf@goumbook.com before the end of August. Trees will be ready for collection and/or delivery at the end of September or beginning of October, ready to be planted.

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